Following the failure of the Turkish Cypriots to achieve reunification of Cyprus in last week's referendum, the Prime Minister of Turkey has requested support from the Presidents of the United States and Russia. Recep Tayyip Erdogan made his request during phone conversations with President Bush of the United States and President Vladimir Putin of Russia on Friday. The Turkish Cypriots voted overwhelmingly in favor of the United Nations plan for the reunification of the Greek and Turkish communities of Cyprus in last week's referendum. However, the Greek Cypriots opposed the UN plan, leading to its failure, and as a result, they will independently benefit from the advantages of EU membership.
Turkish Prime Minister Requests Support from the U.S. and Russia - 2004-05-01
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has sought support from the U.S. and Russia after Turkish Cypriots failed to achieve reunification in a recent referendum. The Turkish Cypriots supported a UN plan for reunification, but Greek Cypriots voted against it, resulting in a setback for Turkish interests in Cyprus.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan requested support from U.S. President George W. Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin after the Turkish Cypriots' referendum for reunification with Greek Cypriots failed. The Turkish Cypriots favored a UN plan for reunification, but Greek Cypriots opposed it, resulting in a setback for Turkey's interests in Cyprus.
- Turkish Cypriots voted in favor of a UN reunification plan, while Greek Cypriots voted against it.
- The failure of the referendum allows Greek Cypriots to benefit from EU membership independently.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus only recognized by Turkey. The ongoing division complicates relations between Turkey, Greece, and the EU.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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